Evansville, IN — Ascension St. Vincent Evansville has awarded a $20,000 grant to Youth First, Inc., a local organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of young people. The funding will be used to provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention services in over 20 schools within the Catholic Diocese of Evansville.
According to a press release, the grant will enable Youth First to continue offering critical social work services and prevention programs that focus on improving the mental health of students and addressing the challenges associated with substance misuse. The services will be available to students in selected diocesan schools, with a particular focus on fostering emotional resilience and providing resources to help students navigate various personal and academic struggles.
Alex Chang, President of Ascension’s South Region, emphasized the importance of supporting students’ mental health, especially in the school environment where young people spend a significant amount of time. “We recognize the vital importance of mental health support for students in the Evansville Diocese,” said Chang. “Through our support of Youth First, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of these young individuals but also helping to foster a community of compassion, resilience, and understanding.”
Youth First provides a range of services, including counseling, social work support, and substance misuse prevention education. The grant from Ascension St. Vincent Evansville ensures that these programs can continue to operate and expand, reaching more students in the region. These efforts are seen as crucial to promoting healthy emotional development and reducing the risk of substance misuse among youth.
The collaboration between Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and Youth First highlights the growing recognition of the important role that schools and community organizations play in addressing the mental health needs of students. With an increasing number of young people facing mental health challenges, this partnership aims to provide much-needed support and create an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Through this initiative, both organizations hope to make a lasting impact on the well-being of youth in the Evansville area, offering them the tools and resources they need to face life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.
